An Alphabetical Analysis
Volume 5 - Dispensational Truth - Page 235 of 328
INDEX
Let us examine these two unities separately.  First we must note the
place in the epistle where these unities occur.  Both occur in the fourth
chapter.  The structure of the epistle balances seven doctrinal sections
which are found in chapters 1 to 3, with seven practical sections which
are found in chapters 4 to 6.  The complete structure of Ephesians is given
in the article Ephesians1 and should be consulted.
There is scarcely anything more important and in need of more emphasis
and repetition, than that doctrine must ever be accompanied by practice, that
walk must correspond with calling, that fruit must manifest the hidden root.
The correspondence of doctrine and practice is most happily displayed in this
epistle.  It naturally divides into its two main sections, the first three
chapters containing the great revelation, the second three chapters the
resulting exhortation.  Take a few instances by way of illustration.  To see
the whole would necessitate a most detailed structure of the epistle.
These examples will suffice for the moment.  It will be seen what a
stimulus we receive to unity when we see that the exhortation to be `fitly
joined together' as members of the One Body is but a temporal and corporeal
expression of the higher and fuller unity of the temple so marvellously
`fitly framed together'.  Or again, it is not enough that we should learn the
doctrine of the new creation and the new man; it must have some result.  The
old man with his `former conversation' (4:22) and `with his deeds' (Col. 3:9)
must be put off, otherwise the glorious doctrine remains without life.  The
exalted position of the believer in the ascended Lord, `far above all',
brings him into conflict with `principalities and powers' that are associated
with evil.  The mighty power that raised Christ from the dead is the power in
which alone he can hope to overcome these spiritual foes.  All this, and
more, is expressed in the words of Ephesians 4:1, `walk worthy'.  The word
`worthy' (axios):
`refers to a pair of scales in which, when the weights on each side are
equal, they bring or draw down (axiousi) the beam to a level or
horizontal position' (Parkhurst).
Doctrine (1 to 3)
Practice (4 to 6)
The power of His might
The power of His might and
and the principalities and powers
the principalities and powers
(1:19 -23).
(6:10-17).
This shows our doctrinal  position
This shows the corresponding
and sphere of spiritual  blessing.
conflict and spiritual foes.
The old walk ­
The old walk -- `vanity of mind';
`uncleanness'; `darkness';
`this world' (2:2).
`as fools' (4:17 -19; 5:15).
The new walk ­
The new walk -- `lowliness of
`
mind'; `in love'; `as light';
new creation' (2:10).
`circumspectly' (4:2; 5:2,8,15).
The new creation --
The old man -- put off.
The new man
-- put on (4:22 -32).
the new man (2:10-15).